27 Apr 2024 World leisure: news, training & property
 
 
HOME
JOBS
NEWS
FEATURES
PRODUCTS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION
PRINT SUBSCRIPTION
ADVERTISE
CONTACT US
Sign up for FREE ezine

SELECTED ISSUE
Health Club Management
2023 issue 9

View issue contents

Leisure Management - In the zone

Specifier

In the zone


Installing a dedicated recovery zone can support members to reach peak performance. Steph Eaves explores the products you might want to include

Recovery is a hot trend, with dedicated areas for pre- and post-workout use photo: hyperice

Colin Edgar
CET CryoSpas: CryoSpa ice bath
Colin Edgar / photo: CET CryoSpa

CET CryoSpas manufactures ice baths designed to transform recovery, reduce fatigue, drive performance and lower the risk of injury.

It does this through a combination of low temperature cooling by convection, hydrostatic pressure, massage effects and magnesium-laden salt water.

The core driver of recovery in the CryoSpa is fiercely penetrating cold that results from 20 jets working in combination with hydrostatic pressure, which improves blood flow thanks to the depth of the water.

The cold triggers three reactions. Firstly, metabolic processes in cells slow, so they need less oxygen. Next, the permeability of blood vessel walls decreases due to contraction, reducing inflammation and fluid accumulation in injured areas. Lastly, the area being cooled becomes slightly numbed, reducing pain or discomfort.

The jets create a more intense cooling and can be directed at specific muscles, while the use of magnesium salt aids infection control and improves sleep; the most important recovery modality.

Use of cold-water immersion minimises muscle soreness after exercise, reduces fatigue and lowers the risk of injury – among other benefits. One of the best things about cold is that it doesn’t override the body’s natural healing processes.

Why should operators specify CryoSpa?

CryoSpas have already been successfully installed in over 100 recovery rooms, while CryoSpa ice baths encourage drop-in visits.

Members can use them on a pay-per-use basis, or they can be included as part of a wider premium wellness package incorporating other recovery protocols.

CryoSpas have several features that set them apart, including superior filtration and cost-efficiency.

By running and maintaining the spa at a (relatively) higher temperature while leveraging the therapeutic benefits of our powerful jets, operators can achieve therapeutic effects while saving on energy.

The jets accommodate variations in cold tolerance due to factors such as ethnic background and body shape and unlike traditional ice baths, the CryoSpa eliminates the need for ice, meaning members can enjoy a comfortable, hassle-free experience without the discomfort and expense associated with using ice.

Use of magnesium salt aids infection control and improves sleep
The CET CryoSpa / PHOTO: CET
Sammy Gharieni
Gharieni Group: MLX i3 Dome
Sammy Gharieni

Gharieni’s MLX i3 Dome is a next-generation detox treatment bed that delivers evidence-based treatments and integrates three highly effective detox methods into one: far infrared, plasma and light treatment.

The evidence shows that targeting deep tissue promotes the removal of harmful toxins from the body, resulting in rejuvenation and an increase in energy levels.

Athletes find this an ideal tool for supporting sports recovery after intense workouts, to reduce inflammation and promote muscle recovery, while the PLT (Plasma and Light Treatment) device also aids skin rejuvenation and detox.

Why add the MLX i3 Dome to a recovery zone?

The MLX i3 Dome is what we refer to as ‘touchless technology’, meaning that once a person is placed on the treatment table, no therapist is required. It’s very easy to set up and allows guests to take advantage of its benefits.

From a financial standpoint, it also provides an opportunity to generate additional revenue in exchange for enhanced recovery.

No therapist is required for this treatment
Gharieni’s MLXi3 bed delivers three levels of detox in one / photo: Gharieni Group
Nikos Skevis
Hyperice: Normatec air compression boots
Nikos Skevis / photo: Hyperice

Our Normatec air compression boots are among the world’s leading wellness technology tools and are widely embraced by top athletes to enhance preparation, recovery and overall performance.

Initially created by a doctor as a non-invasive solution to improve the symptoms of circulatory disorders such as lymphedema, Normatec boots have not only become highly sought-after recovery tools, but also play a role in promoting the user’s overall wellness.

The boots feature five inflatable zones with gapless compression and offer seven levels of pressure. They employ a patented, dynamic air compression system known as Pulse technology with ZoneBoost, which allows for an optional extra 10 per cent of pressure to be applied to one inflation zone.

Essentially, each zone of the boot inflates sequentially, starting from the feet and moving upwards towards the upper leg. This peristaltic, or wave-like compression pattern, is designed to mimic and enhance the body’s natural functions, ultimately mobilising stagnant fluids in the circulatory and lymphatic systems.

The boots also help shuttle blood from the veins, which lacks oxygen and carries waste such as carbon dioxide back to the heart and lungs for oxygen exchange. Between each cycle, the boots briefly deflate, facilitating an inflow of fresh, oxygen-rich blood to revitalise muscle tissue. Normatec boots also aid in flushing lymphatic fluid by directing it to the lymph nodes, where toxins and waste can be filtered out.

How can Normatec be used within a recovery zone?

In addition to offering spaces for members to enjoy the products independently, facilities can equip their health, wellness, and fitness professionals with valuable tools to enhance their daily practices and provide members with essential touchpoints.

Instructors can also lead group classes, offering members an opportunity to socialise while gaining valuable insights into enhancing their recovery and overall wellness. At Hyperice, we provide bespoke training to facility staff members, enabling them to maximise the benefits of our products and provide their members with the most pertinent, accurate, and up-to-date information. Promoting the Hyperice app is also a fantastic idea, as it serves as a comprehensive guide to all things Hyperice. It offers various recovery routines and key information, providing members with expert guidance at their fingertips.

The boots shuttle blood from the veins back to the heart and lungs for oxygen exchange
Normatec air compression boots flush soft tissue with fresh blood / photo: Hyperice
Francesca Eccel
Starpool: Zerobody Dry Float
photo: STARPOOL / Mattia Rizzi

Zerobody Dry Float offers the benefits of flotation, aimed at enhancing regenerative wellbeing. It has a positive impact on stress, muscle and joint pain, sleep, focus, and psycho-physical recovery.

Dry float therapy harnesses the advantages of reduced gravity to help the body and mind recharge in a convenient and adaptable manner, ultimately improving performance.

The body floats on over 400 litres of warm water without the need to undress or get wet. Due to the reduced perception of weight and the dry environment – which doesn’t affect the vestibular system – the brain detects an opportunity to relax and reduce the involvement of the neuromotor system.

This results in a different mechanism being triggered, and prevents any adverse effects on performance markers.

Through research, we’re now able to make the most of this mechanism. When combined with training and specific usage programmes, dry float therapy promotes blood flow and enhances the cardiovascular system by activating the parasympathetic system. Additionally, we’ve included mindfulness and breathing techniques in the software to maximise the effectiveness of mental training, which is a crucial element in athletes’ lives.

What does Zerobody Dry Float bring to a recovery zone?

Our wellness solutions complement various training programmes, optimising performance. For each programme focused on recovery and psycho-physical wellbeing, we’ve created specific methods and usage programmes tailored to different types of training and athletic preparation to ensure maximum effectiveness.

For example, our recovery class leverages the body’s physiological response to cold therapy and dry flotation, aiding post-exercise recovery and optimising performance. Functional programmes also facilitate the treatment.

The body floats on over 400 litres of warm water without the need to undress or get wet
Starpool manufactures a wide range of wellness and recovery products / photo: STARPOOL / gaiapanozzo
Yves Meilich
MECOTEC: Cryo:one+

The Cryo:one+ cryochamber, has been designed to make a visual impact. Customers can enjoy a cryo session at ultra-low temperatures of up to minus 85°C for around three minutes to relieve muscle tension after a hard workout, while enjoying complete freedom of movement in the chamber.

Whole-body cryo treatment can be used to enhance performance and speed up recovery time after a workout, enriching overall wellbeing. Cryo sessions can be tailored based on experience, body composition or other individual requirements using a three-fan-speed setting. The performance at ultra-low temperatures and a very low noise level, combined with very low energy consumption, make Cryo:one+ one of the most economical and innovative additions to the recovery area.

Up to 10 people an hour can enjoy a relaxing cryo session in the cryochamber.

What does Cryo:one+ bring to the recovery zone?

The Cryo:one+ model can provide a recovery treatment in just three to four minutes, while the beneficial effects can last for hours.

Your existing members will appreciate the extra bonus offered by the cryo sessions and it can also attract new members to your club.

Additionally, with the Cryo:one+ model, you can always stay flexible, as our chambers are easy to install, even in small spaces and they’re also easy to disassemble if you want to move it to a new location.

Up to 10 people per hour can enjoy a relaxing cryo session
Meilich says up to 10 people an hour can enjoy a cryo session / photo: MECOTEC / Jens Schlueter
MECOTEC’s cryotherapy chambers deliver treatments down to -85°C / photo: MECOTEC
Eric Jaworsky
WellnessSpace Brands: HydroMassage Lounge 440X CryoLounge+
Eric Jaworsky / photo: WellnessSpace Brands

The HydroMassage Lounge 440X is a heated water massage lounger and bed that’s designed for wellness and muscle recovery. Powerful waves of heated water massage the user in targeted areas for a personalised and relaxing experience that can help to soothe minor aches and pains and assist in mentally unwinding.

The chair also includes a touch-screen from which users can control the area and intensity level of the massage, watch videos, listen to music and play games.

The CryoLounge+ is an advanced recovery chair with complementary cold and heat zones. Cold is applied to target soreness or minor aches and pains throughout the body, while heat is applied in other areas of the body for a comfortable, relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

How can the product be used in a recovery zone?

Both the HydroMassage Lounge 440X and CryoLounge+ allow physical and mental relaxation, which is much needed for members after working out.

Club owners can charge for individual sessions on the chairs, or they can allow unlimited usage with a premium membership. Allowing shorter paid sessions can frequently lead to members upgrading their membership after they realise the benefits of the chairs.

Powerful waves of heated water massage the user in targeted areas
Taster sessions could encourage members to sign up / photo: WellnessSpace Brands
Karl Chen
Prism Light Pod: Prism Light Pod and Pad
Karl Chen / photo: Prism Light Pod

We manufacture luxurious and effective whole-body red light therapy pods and pads for recovery and wellness.

Our products, the Prism Light Pod and the Prism Light Pad deliver red light therapy which stimulates cellular rejuvenation throughout the entire body. Fifteen and thirty minute sessions can boost the body’s natural recovery process, reduce inflammation, help regulate the circadian rhythm and promote pain management.

Why would this be a worthwhile addition to a recovery zone?

Recovery is one of the most important factors of any health regimen. With these products, health clubs around the world can offer members a safe, non-invasive and effective modality to promote recovery throughout the entire body.

Red light therapy stimulates cellular rejuvenation throughout the entire body
photo: Prism Light Pod
Red light therapy is seen as a 'safe, non-ivasive and effective modality' / photo: Prism Light Pod

Originally published in Health Club Management 2023 issue 9

Published by Leisure Media Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385 | Contact us | About us | © Cybertrek Ltd